MARITIME & PORT INDUSTRY IN AFRICA AND THE SILK ROAD

Club of Ports Special Program

MARITIME & PORT INDUSTRY IN AFRICA AND THE SILK ROAD
June 28, 2018

On the occasion of the 29th Annual Session of the Crans Montana Forum, held in Brussels (Belgium) from June 27 to 30, Port Authorities and main maritime transport & logistics actors met in the framework of the Club of Ports’ Special Programmeto address the
issues of their future, with a focus on Maritime Silk Road and its potential :

Among the
topics addressed :

1. Maritime Transport in Africa requires a Global Approach

Maritime transport is heavily dependent on Land transport potential and efficiency

Priority to the Development of hinterland transport networks, essential for an endogenous Development of the Continent

Africa requires a growing social integration between ports and the cities they belong to

The necessity to strengthen safety and security in ports facilities as well as the adaptation to new contingencies (fight against cyberattacks) have turned ports into a source of technical dynamism for their geographical environment

3. The Maritime Silk Road and the Development of Mediterranean and African Ports

Boosting the China-Africa strategic partnership : the Silk Road creates a new opening for all bordering countries

Mediterranean and African Ports’ role will grow in view of the Maritime route huge advantage over the land one

Opportunities but also Risks : how to keep Ports national control and ownership while facing pressing offers ?